voco Oxford Spires, Oxford

A winding, tree-lined driveway leads up to the hotel, while at the rear, open fields give way to the River Thames. Yet at the same time, you can reach the city centre on foot in 15 minutes, a balance between convenience and calm that is one of the hotel's greatest assets. Meander along the towpath to the university boathouses or riverside pubs or stroll up to Christ Church to see the cathedral.

By car: Oxford is easily accessible from London on the M40 and takes around 90 minutes. The drive is around 1 hour 20 minutes from Birmingham and 3 hours from Liverpool. On-site parking is available at the hotel.

By train: 2 hours from Hereford, just under 3 hours from Manchester Piccadilly, around an hour from London Paddington or Marylebone, 20 minutes from Reading. Oxford station is around a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Book trains to Oxford.

The hotel is modern but set in landscaped grounds that give it the appearance of a country retreat. Inside it feels more corporate, with comfortable, modern décor in pale, neutral tones. A recent refurbishment has added more personality, but it's the amenable staff that offers most of the character here.

Service here can be a bit hit and miss, with reception staff friendly and efficient, but the restaurant service is often below par. The large grounds offer plenty of parking (£7.50 per night) and there's a good, if somewhat dated, leisure centre and spa, which is popular with locals.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa
• Swimming pool
• Picnic area
• Terrace
• Garden

• Family rooms

• Paid parking

• Free Wi-Fi

Pleasantly decorated in a simple, contemporary style, the rooms are generally spacious and most have been recently refurbished. The beds are high quality and bathrooms are smart and modern, and the neutral palette accented by splashes of turquoise gives them a subtle appeal.

Room types: King Suite, Deluxe Queen with Balcony, Premium Queen, Deluxe Twin, Superior Queen, Standard

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, safe
free access to leisure club and spa, free Wi-Fi

The calm, neutral tones in Deacon's restaurant set the scene for a pleasant meal with a modern British menu that doesn't stray too far from the classics. The bar and lounge are good for quiet drinks in winter, while a garden terrace is the place to hang out in warmer weather.

Deacon's Restaurant: Modern British menu. All-day dining from £5.

Deacon's Bar: Serves afternoon tea and informal snack menu. Cocktails from £7.50.